Power to the people....

[R1Geezer]

Not sure of the mechanism but apparently Dave says we'll be able to boot out our local MP in the future, Good Idea? How many would have been elbowed if this had been in place for the exes fiasco?

[Gromit]

Sorry to disappoint Geezer, but it is just flannel. From the manifesto:

// at the moment, there is no way that local constituents can remove an MP found guilty of serious wrongdoing until there is a general election. that is why a Conservative government will introduce a power of ‘recall’ to allow electors to kick out MPs, a power that will be triggered by proven serious wrongdoing. and we will introduce a Parliamentary Privilege act to make clear that privilege cannot be abused by MPs to evade justice. //

"found guilty of serious wrongdoing" means they have been convicted in a court of law and possibly convicted. If that were to happen now, then a bye-election would be called. This happen to Labour's John Stonehouse who was forced to resign and Tory, Peter Baker in 1950 who was expelled. In both instances, the people who had elected them, had to vote for a new candidate. So they are stating what is already the case.

Do you think Cameron will introduce a law to remove discredited Peers who have been convicted like Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare?

The Conservative Party Manifesto can be downloaded from here:

http://media.conserva...ifesto2010_lowres.pdf

[modeller]

If any government really wants to use the power of the people there is one way which is rarely used and that is asking the people actually doing a job how the work of their department could be made more efficient . Several years ago that method was tried in a NHS hospital and the results were spectacular e.g. one surgeon's output doubled and it didn't cost a penny, just using operating theatres more effectively, that idea had come from a very junior member of the team. Many people know how their job and that of others can be done better, but they are rarely asked.

[Mr Veritas]

I do despair of people who believe ANY Political Parties promises before a General Election!
I have been voting fo 66 years,and very few parties have ever brought in the most popular of their manifesto pledges after being ellected.
It's all " bread and circuses" (look it up) something to placate the masses and make their party look good.

[R1Geezer]

Pity Gromit, I quite like the idea!

[Gromit]

After the election, the difference in seats could be very tight. I suspect in those circumstances, Cameron (if it is he) will not let a peasants revolt remove one of his MPs. What is the point of winning power, to just hand it over to the great unwashed?

[R1Geezer]

well that was my gut instinct too Gromit but I can't help being tantalised by the idea of a constituency being able to boot out their MP, imagine if it was going to be the PM himself, imagine how quick the law would get changed then!

[anotheoldgit]

In a few weeks time we will all have the chance to boot out our local MPs.

Just don't vote them in.